Set Apart

Surrounded by Faith, Hope and Charity (the original names of the Three Sisters Mountains) we maneuvered our way through the lava strewn terrain as we mounted the steps of the observatory at the peak of the McKenzie Pass. From our vantage atop the roof of the rock gazebo we gazed for miles and miles in every direction, our hearts filled with wonder and awe at the majesty of God’s handiwork.

I paused for a moment to ponder, “Was that how it was for Rahab, sitting atop the wall of Jericho? Did she gaze out into the distance; not to view God’s creation but rather hoping to catch a glimpse of God’s people, knowing the mighty army of Israel was encamped just over the Jordan?”

My thoughts drifted back to our retreat this past week-end where together we discovered anew the amazing grace of God in the lives of Rahab, Ruth, Tamar and Bathsheba. Of those, I find Rahab the most intriguing.

Rahab, who feared the God Jehovah who had performed such mighty miracles for the children of Israel; Rahab, who welcomed the spies as messengers from that same God; Rahab who hid the spies, confessing that Jehovah was now her God; Rahab asking that she and her entire family be preserved from the coming destruction; Rahab who risked her life in hanging the scarlet cord from her window, announcing to all that her home was set apart. Rahab; the harlot turned heroine.

I realize I would do well to learn from Rahab. How marvelous must the message have seemed to her as she learned of the hope that is given to God’s people.

Oh that I might be swift to welcome into my own life the One who spies out the deep things of God, that He might share them with me if I will but listen. I Corinthians 2 tells us “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God.”

At the risk of her own life, Rahab hid the spies who had brought her the words of God. Do we treasure God’s word? Can we like the Psalmist David proclaim “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Do we declare his judgments and rejoice in his testimony? Do we meditate on his precepts and obey what he says? Is it a delight or a duty? (Psalm 119:13-16

At the risk of ridicule from her father and mother, brothers and sisters, Rahab established a place where her entire family might find salvation. Her house was set apart, covered by the scarlet cord. What WAS it in Rahab that caused them to believe and come in, that they might be saved? What is it in my house, in your house, that will cause our families to desire the covering of the blood of Christ?

I will let you ponder that as I direct your thoughts to Colossians Chapter 3: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”